A SCHOOLBOY knocked off his bike in a crash thankfully has escaped serious injury, say his family.

Harry Smith, 12, was riding to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College when he was involved in a collision with a car on Highfield Road in Widnes yesterday.

Mum Antonia, 29, of Laurel Bank, said: "When I got the call to say Harry had been knocked off his bike I drove to the school with no shoes on in my jammies. I don't even remember making it downstairs.

"He was on the floor with the paramedics."

Year seven pupil Harry was taken to Whiston Hospital and given the all clear after extensive tests for a possible head injury.

"It was a big relief that he was fine with just superficial injuries," said Antonia.

"He has a graze to the side of his head and skin has come off his right knuckle. He has a sore left side and his finger is swollen."

Harry was on his way to school from his dad's home in Widnes, where he spends half the week, and was riding along a footpath when the accident happened shortly after 7.30am.

"He was only three doors up from the school and had gone onto the footpath," said Antonia. "As he looked at the road a car came out of an alleyway.

"He wasn't wearing a helmet which he has been in trouble about."

The former St Gerard's Catholic Primary School pupil loves football, business studies, art and sports.

"He was gutted yesterday because he had PE which he loves," added Antonia.

"He is now on bed rest with lots of cuddles and plenty of ice cream.

"I've received loads of messages. It has been overwhelming and so nice. I'd like to thank everyone for their kindness."